Cover Story: 18 Under 18

18 Under 18

Everyone’s journey is different. In the following pages, you’ll learn how 18 amazing Girl Scouts from our council found their adventure—and what they’re hoping to do next!

Adventure means having a sense of passionate and open curiosity about what the world can offer.

—Maven D.

Maven D.

Cadette • Troop 21041 Bucks County

What does adventure mean to you?

To be adventurous is not only to be brave and willing to be a risk-taker, but to experience situations that will help me better myself. I like situations where I can choose leadership and enjoy life's simple pleasures with a little bit of wonder.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

Girl Scouts has helped me find people beyond my usual crowd. As someone who used to fear large crowds or become nervous with public speaking, Girl Scouts has helped me find ways to grow my confidence. It means a lot to me to have others listening and valuing what I have to say.

What did you learn?

I learned at camp that I can empower myself and build my own confidence. Now I feel like I can truly express myself in front of my peers.

When you are not adventuring with Girl Scouts, what do you like to do?

I embrace my artistic side with cosplay, guitar and ukulele, drawing and crafting.

Wendy B.

Junior • Troop 41236 Chester County

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure means being free to be yourself and just have fun.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

Trying new things with my troop like snow tubing and learning to horseback ride at Camp Laughing Waters.

What did you learn?

I learned that things look really big to start but when you do it, it can be much easier than you imagined.

Akira D.

Brownie • Troop 21669 Bucks County

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

I loved community clean-up, ziplining, visiting Sesame Place water park and the firehouse, and participating in World Thinking Day, cookie selling and making a lot of crafts.

What did you learn?

I learned about nature, met firefighters, and saw the firetruck. I did pour-painting on canvas and made my first tie-dye. I loved selling cookies and becoming a Cookie Boss.

When you are not adventuring with Girl Scouts, what do you like to do?

I love visiting different places like the Pittsburgh National Aviary, Baltimore National Aquarium, Washington D.C., Aruba, etc. I love learning piano, chess, karate and going to the theatre. On weekends I love to meet my aunt and uncle and go shopping.

Natalie R.

Daisy • Troop 1061 Berks County

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure means going outside exploring.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

We went to Berks Nature Place for a Girl Scout badge and we went on a hike where we looked to find what was in nature. And we found snails!

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

I would like to go to a museum!

Lena C.

Cadette • Troop 3801 Carbon County

What does adventure mean to you?

To me, adventure means trying something new like summer camp. Spreading your wings and trying something that may be scary can be fun. That's what adventure is all about.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

My greatest adventure was spending an entire week at Mosey Wood in 2021. I picked a week where we rafted down the Lehigh River, biked the D&L Trail, slept under the stars, and created some amazing memories. I am so excited to go back this summer and explore more.

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

My troop is currently planning a trip to Savannah. That will be an adventure of a lifetime for many of us.

Shalese R.

Junior • Troop 7028 Montgomery County

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

We went rock climbing as a group and I did not want to participate at first because I was nervous, but it was a great experience. We went outside and climbed really high rocks when it was 90 degrees out and it was amazing. I was really excited that I got to try something new and really liked it.

What did you learn?

I learned that trying something new can be a way to see what I can do. When I face my fears it can be fun in the end!

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

I hope we can help at the local animal shelter. It is easier to have fun and be silly with my friends when we are together.

Brynn J.

Brownie • Troop 59 Delaware County

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure means conquering a new fear.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

Overnight camping for a week.

What did you learn?

I learned how to survive without my electronics and I learned how to play new games.

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

I hope it takes me to the White House!

Myah Y.

Senior • Troop 91 Philadelphia County

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

Despite traveling to Pax Lodge and the Juliette Low House, I have to say that my greatest adventure in Girl Scouts has been becoming a presenter for Take The Lead.

What did you learn?

I learned that there is always room for mistakes if you're willing to learn from them. Also, my mentor (Chekemma J. Fulmore-Townsend, featured in the photo above) gave me some great advice to carry with me: make excellence your signature. Meaning to always put your best foot forward and give everything your all.

Emma S.

Senior • Troop 2105 Bucks County

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

I think my greatest adventure so far has been backpacking with my troop in western PA (Allegheny Front Trail) for five days. We covered a lot of different terrain and had so much fun sleeping in hammocks and tents under the stars.

What did you learn?

I learned that there is nothing quite as special as the sisterhood and friendships with my troopmates.

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

Europe! My troop has saved for a trip to Europe for years, and we are finally going this summer!

Nia B.

Junior • Troop 7142 Montgomery County

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure means trying new things and exploring nature.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

My greatest adventure so far has been when I went geocaching and explored the woods.

What did you learn?

I learned that the woods aren't as scary as you think.

Lily C.

Cadette • Troop 8573 Northampton County

What does adventure mean to you?

To me, adventure means trying new things even if you are afraid, learning, and having fun with fellow scouts.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

My greatest adventure has probably been high ropes at Camp Mosey Wood. I remember being terrified because I don't really like heights, but my friend, who has done it before, said it was awesome. So I climbed up and imagined I was doing low ropes. I got to go on the zipline afterwards which was super fun as well.

What did you learn?

I learned that sometimes you have to just trust people, because you might regret it if you don't. I also learned that while something may seem scary, once you do it, it can be super fun.

Jordan M.

Daisy Individually Registered Girl Scout Delaware County

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

The most fun thing I did in Girl Scouts so far is camp! We set up a tent with no adults (just the one who showed us how). And at camp we also made a campfire to have my favorite, s'mores! My Nana went with us! She had fun too. Lots of girls from other troops were there too and I made new friends.

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

The next adventure is going to be going on a kayak and also horseback riding.

Dasani A.

Ambassador • Troop 12034 Berks County

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure to me is risky. It is putting yourself in a situation where you have no real way of knowing whether or not you will succeed. To me, adventure means doing what you love without letting fear hold you back.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

My greatest Girl Scout adventure has been through my leadership roles at Take the Lead.

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

My next adventure with Girl Scouts will to be for me to complete my Gold Award.

Cassidy R.

Ambassador • Troop 741 Montgomery County

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

I went to Acadia National Park in Maine with Camp Mosey Wood and camped over for a few nights. We explored the park including its memorials, rocky paths, and serene wildlife. The most memorable activity from the trip was cooking mac and cheese on the side of the road in the park.

What did you learn?

I learned that it is important to know key survival skills, such as pitching a tent, cooking over a fire, problem solving, map reading, etc. Having these skills ensures one has a fun and safe experience.

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

I have a trip to New York coming up soon with my troop.

Maryn M.

Ambassador • Troop 6851 Lehigh County

What does adventure mean to you?

Today there are so many distractions and expectations that teen girls face. When I’ve had a tough day or I’m feeling down, the best way to get out of my head is to have an adventure. Feeling the freedom of the wilderness and the joy of pushing my boundaries is the best cure for my bad days.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

So far, my greatest Girl Scout adventure was on the tight rope at Camp Wood Haven. When I first climbed up onto platform, I froze from fear. A sister Girl Scout (who is now my best friend) noticed and cheered me on. I took my first step out onto that wire and loved it! Since then, I have gone on to become a rock climber, boulderer, and ropes course junkie. The support of my team gave me the courage to try something new and I loved it. What I did that day may not be the most daring feat I have accomplished but it is the one that means the most to who I am today.

Daisy • Troop 902 Philadelphia County

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure means trying new things.

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

Going to camp at Camp Laughing Waters and Camp Mosey Wood.

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

I can't wait until I'm old enough to do the ropes courses at camp.

Abbie M.

Brownie • Troop 20586 Bucks County

What does adventure mean to you?

To me, adventure means "Excitement"! The feeling of trying something new!

What is the most fun adventure you have had in Girl Scouts?

Camporee! I got to do zip-lining and it was the greatest!

What did you learn?

I learned how to encourage my Girl Scout sisters to try new things and how to overcome fear!

Emily G.

Senior • Troop 329 Carbon County

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure to me is something that makes you feel so alive, you can’t think about yesterday or tomorrow. You are completely within this one moment. Completely present. And that moment is happiness.

What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of with Girl Scouts?

Hopefully, be a Girl Scout camp counselor and be an inspiration to younger girls.